car sitting forever

[ZippyDan]

I have an 05 Honda Civic that I left in New York before moving to Asia.

When I left it was working fine, and I let my mom drive it.

Soon after, the water pump failed, and for many reasons the car has sat in a driveway unused and unrepaired for about 18 months.

The car has been out of my mind for a while now, but now I'm wondering what should I be worried about as far as someday getting this car running again?

Things that come to mind: rusting of nonmoving parts? fluids sitting forever (gas and oil)? the harsh cycles of New York winters?

I'd love to get the car into a garage, but that realistically isn't going to happen with the cost of covered parking in New York.

 

[fstime]

While 18 months is not a short period of time, it has not been an extreme case.

If stabilizer was not put in the gasoline, it is probably worth removing.

An oil change as well would be wise. The battery is most certainly dead.

The best thing you can do is have someone (i.e your mother) drive the car every so often, even if its only a couple times a month.

 

[Howard]

Brake rotors are probably kaput

 

[SparkyJJO]

Change oil/filter.
Drain gas, put fresh gas in.
Check/change transmission fluid.
Change coolant (probably need to drain to replace the pump anyway).
Change that timing belt while you're at it.
Check wiring where possible for any rodent issues.
New or charged battery.
Check other fluids (brake fluid, PS fluid), check brake rotors, etc.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Brake rotors are probably kaput

They might be rusted on the surface, but nowhere near being kaput.

 

[Howard]

They might be rusted on the surface, but nowhere near being kaput.

I wasted money on the rear brakes after the car sat for a year on my driveway, then.

 

[HarryLui]

Sell it.